Born
on September 12, 1893, he joined the Indiana National Guard in 1916 and
served along the Mexican Border.

He was commissioned a Captain in the Regular
Army in 1920. He lost the vision in his left eye in a Polo accident. He
served in the Army for more than 62 years and was the only four-star general
in Army history to reach that rank without ever having served in a combat
role.

He served as Director of the Selective Service
System during the Vietnam War and, as such, became the focal point for
many who opposed that war. He was subsequently removed from that position
by President Richard Nixon who then named him to be a presidential advisor
and promoted him to full General.

He refused to retire on his own and the Army
involuntarily retired him in April 1973. he died on May 5, 1977 and was
buried in Section 7 of Arlington National Cemetery.